Optics Recommendations (Monocular or Binocular) for One-Handed Birding Beginner (2 Viewers)

[coveringmyeyes]

Hi! Doing some Christmas shopping for my father, who has severe damage in one hand such that he much prefers to only use the other. Right now, he primarily just watches and identifies the birds that come to feeders he has set up in his back yard, but he's nearing retirement and I have a suspicion that he might start wandering to local parks and such and becoming more invested, and I want him to have the equipment to make that as easy as possible! Monoculars seem to have real downsides, but if that's the better option with one hand than it'd be worth the tradeoff. Are there any binoculars that can be operated largely with one hand, or what would your all's recommendations be?

My leading contender thus far is the Pentax Monocular VM 6x21 WP, which truthfully is more than I'd like to spend at $136, but I guess I'm learning that that's relatively inexpensive by birding standards, and I don't want to discourage my dad by gifting him a product that would give him trouble.

Also, for shame for shame I'm crossposting this to the birding subreddit, which feels immoral somehow but there's the disclaimer. Appreciate whatever feedback you all might have!

 

[Hermann]

If your father can use one hand only, I'd still recommend a binocular. Binoculars are easier to hold steady than monoculars.

Probably the best would be a stabilized binocular, for instance the Canon 8x20 IS or the Canon 10x30 IS. However, the 10x30 may be a bit difficult to operate if he can only use his left hand. (The stabilizer button of that model needs to be pressed all the time when observing, and it's on the right side of the binocular.) Some basic information on these two binoculars can be found on Canip's website: Canon 8×20 IS – Binoculars Today and Canon 10×30 IS II – Binoculars Today. Another possibility might be the (new) Nikon 10x25 IS. There's a thread on the Nikon in the Nikon Forum: Updated Nikon 10x25S and 12x25S Stabilized binoculars This thread includes a couple of user reports.

The problem is that all these stabilized binoculars are considerably more expensive than what you want to/can spend on your gift. A cheaper alternative would be a reverse porro, for instance by Nikon. The Nikon Travelite EX series is quite nice, e.g. the 8x25 EX. They are fairly light and waterproof.

Hermann

 

[tenex]

As long as the arm can be comfortably raised for supportive contact, even without a firm grip in the hand, a binocular can be mostly held and operated with the other hand. On a tight budget, the Nikon Prostaff 8x25 is often recommended here.

 

[Hillclocks]

Hello C I don't know if this thought might help, but using a monocular for any length of time will tire the eyes due closing one eye for a better view. I would say go with binoculars and it may be more enjoyable when do birding. With one hand holding the bins and the other used as a post , it will be much easier and more comfortable in find and follow birds.

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi CME,

Depending on your father's particular limitations, some form of support attached to a binocular may be of assistance, such as:



For more, see post #960 and following at: New Product Introduction Today From Swarovski ?


John

 

[Maljunulo]

I would recommend a binocular, as long as he has two eyes, and normal 3D vision.

The other limitation can be dealt with.

 

[kabsetz]

I strongly second Hermann's recommendation of an image stabilised binocular, even as it costs a fair bit more than you thought you'd spend.
With one hand, image shake is going to be worse than with two, both because two hands partially cancel the shake from the other hand and because one hand will tire more quickly. IS vastly improves how much one can see, and makes viewing a whole different experience.

I just tried one-handed operation with the Canon 8x20 IS, and it works surprisingly well. The IS activation button is placed for right hand fingers, so if using left-handedly, I need to activate the IS before lifting the binoculars to my eyes, but as in this model the IS stays on for five minutes after pushing the button, that is not a problem. Due to the boxy form-factor and somewhat slippery body, it takes a bit of experimenting to find the best hold, but once I found a good grip it worked just fine, with middle finger being able to do focusing while thumb on the underside and other fingers above provided the grip.

The Nikon I have not tried, but it would probably be easier to hold one-handed due to its slimmer form, and IS button could be reached with either hand.

For backyard feeders, a tripod or some other more or less permanently placed support would make viewing much more stable and rewarding.

I hope you find your dad a solution that pleases him.

 

[mwhogue]

Hi! Doing some Christmas shopping for my father, who has severe damage in one hand such that he much prefers to only use the other. Right now, he primarily just watches and identifies the birds that come to feeders he has set up in his back yard, but he's nearing retirement and I have a suspicion that he might start wandering to local parks and such and becoming more invested, and I want him to have the equipment to make that as easy as possible! Monoculars seem to have real downsides, but if that's the better option with one hand than it'd be worth the tradeoff. Are there any binoculars that can be operated largely with one hand, or what would your all's recommendations be?

My leading contender thus far is the Pentax Monocular VM 6x21 WP, which truthfully is more than I'd like to spend at $136, but I guess I'm learning that that's relatively inexpensive by birding standards, and I don't want to discourage my dad by gifting him a product that would give him trouble.

Also, for shame for shame I'm crossposting this to the birding subreddit, which feels immoral somehow but there's the disclaimer. Appreciate whatever feedback you all might have!

If you have not yet finished shopping - mostly repeating the excellent advice of others here and based on my experience:

Forget a monocular;

Budget allowing go with an IS model. Preferably one in which the IS function stays on once activated until manually (or or timed / auto) switched off.

If you go the non IS route, a reverse PORRO prism as suggested, preferably 7 or 8x together with one of the strap mounted stabilization rigs posted by @John A Roberts, above #5. Your father can practice with the rig in house for eventual use outdoors. A small light tripod would also be helpful.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

 

[kabsetz]

Among reverse porroprism models, Pentax Papilios have a tripod mounting thread under the body. This allows threading a lightweight selfie-stick to the binocular which would make holding it much less tiring. This might be the best budget option. Added bonus is the super-close focusing which is fun for viewing insects and plants.

 

[Ignatius]

I wonder HOW your father watches birds. If he sits in his backyard or is generally more stationary somewhere, I recommend a binocular and tripod with a 2-way head. That way he can easily scan and pan using his one hand, while at the same time enjoying not only a much better binocular, and thus 3-d, view, but he will also have the option of going to higher magnifications without the attendant issues of (one)handed holding. Setting up, although slower than with two hands, should also be manageable. This solution is scaleable on all levels - tripod, head, binos.

 

[yarrellii]

After reading the original post I was going to say something in the line what Hermann and Kabsetz have already, and very wisely, said.
I can even single-hand my Canon 12x36 IS (which needs constant pressing of the IS button in order to work, making it more difficult), not ideal, but doable. So a smaller IS like the very nice and not so expensive 8x20 could be just great. Haven't tried the new Nikon 10x25, but could be worth checking.

 

[Trinovid]

OP only joined the forum for about 22 hours and is not reading any of the replies made after Tuesday.

 

[Canip]

OP only joined the forum for about 22 hours and is not reading any of the replies made after Tuesday.

Seems as if he has been covering his eyes …

 

[Ignatius]

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